Are The Old Machines Better/more Reliable Than The New Clones?

[lranger]

Yes, this is kind of the point of my frustration with manufacturers. I just wish they would get back to doing a thing right. They have more knowledge of metals, and better, computer controlled machinery, so why can't they make things to more exacting tolerances and still save money?

I am a lifelong General Motors owner. I am the second owner of a 1983 Chevy pickup that has 140,000 miles on it, and is still a good, dependable truck. I recently upgraded to a 2000 Chevy 2500 truck with a 6.0 litre engine in it. I needed more pulling power for the hills in Montana while I'm pulling a horse trailer. The 2000 truck has 117,000 miles on it and I believe it has the infamous piston slap problem. I don't think it will last as long as the '83. It just infuriates me that GM, after all the years they've been building trucks and engines, that they can't even get the piston to wall clearance right in an engine. But, as I've said, this problem isn't just GM, it's the thinking of most all manufacturing,,,, even individual people. Every time I make something, I'm trying as hard as I can to make it perfect. I've never made "perfect", but my last saddle was as close as you can come, I think. I just wish all the manufacturers of the world would get back to trying to be more perfect than worrying about their bottom line. I think they can still make decent money while producing a really good product. Yeah, I know. Wishful thinking.

[catskin]

Iranger where it seemed you were dissing new machines was where you say so many have trouble with new machines. This is most likely because so many new machines are sold to people new to sewing that do not understand the simple basic way a sewing machine works. They ARE simple machines to those who can grasp the principle. Just as I said about my NOT grasping computer systems. Just bring some guy that has NEVER driven a truck and put him in one of yours, be it the old 80's one or the new one he will have as much trouble with one as the other. Most of the older machines are owned by people that have been sewing for years. So for that reason you hear less about the trouble they have since they know how to fix it .

[Tramps Leatherworking]

As i stated in an earlier post, we all have our opinions and experiences with these machines, but the fact that I have two machines that are 90+ years old --- that have not been rebuilt --- and are still sewing like a champ, is quite impressive and a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that went into building these old machines... I have done nothing mechanical to these machines but keep them oiled...